Container opening key machine



May 15, 1934. w. PECHY CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 13 Sheets-Sheet 1 J INVENTOR ha'l... 0

ATTORN May 15, 1934.

Filed July 9, 1932 '15 Sheets-Sheet 2 w, PECHY CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE May 15, 1934.

Filed July 9, 1932- 13 Sheets-Sheet I5 INVENTOR WQZJ. 0%

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CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9. 1932 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 'FI'ORN May 15, 1934. w. PECHY 1,958,442

CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE 7 Filed July 9, 1932 13 Sheets-Shae? 5 /5/ INVENTOR maxi? ATTORN May 15, 1934.

W. PECHY CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 a? INVEN May 15, 1934. w. PECHY 1,958,442

CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 13 Sheets-Sheet 8.

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CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 13 shets -sheet 1o 7 Wwwww w 1934- w. PECHY CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 l5 Sheets-Sheet 11 INVENTOR May 15, 1934. w PECHY 1,958,442

CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1952 13 snms-sneet .12

yAfioRNE y 1934- w. PECHY CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE Filed July 9, 1932 13 Sheets-Sheet l3 Patented May 15, 1934 1,953,445 7 CONTAINER OPENING KEY MACHINE William Pechy, Elizabeth, N. 1., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N.

corporation of New Jersey Application July 9, 1932, Serial No. 621,674

15 Claims.

The present invention relates to the manufacture of opening keys such as are used with tear The principal object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus having synchronized working elements which operate upon a key blank to convert it into an accurately formed key suitable for an attachment to a container with which it is to be used for removing a tearing strip area in opening the container, certain of these elements removing the key from'a magazine and others presenting it to the key forming stations while still other elements restack the finished keys within a second magazine.

An important object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described wherein a key receiving turret automati-, cally presents the key blank in proper sequence to the operating stations while still retaining it in exact relationship to the turret.

An important object of the invention is the provision of key shank flattening, end forming and bending and key slotting instrumentalities associated in a unit machine having means for holding the key blank accurately in proper register for each of the forming operations.

Numerous other objects of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the foregoing description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings: a

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present invention, parts being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view, on a larger scale, of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1, this apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken view showing substantially the lower half of the substantially along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged fragmentary sectional details taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Fig. 2, the two views illustrating different positions, of some of the-parts;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the lower part of the key shank flattening and end forming and bending stations, this view being a fragmentary showing on a larger scale of a portion of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional detail taken substantially along the line 8-8 in Fig. '7;-

Fig. 9 is a sectional view, being taken substantially along the broken line 9-9 in Fig. 7 and also showing theupper mechanism at that station;-

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 in Fig. 2 or in F 9;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line-.11-11 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 12-12 in Fig. '1, also showing the upper mechanism at that station;

Fig. 13 is a front face detail of the lower part of the mechanism disclosed in Fig. .10, as viewed substantially from a position as indicated by the line 13-13 in that' figure;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a part of themechanism at the key slotting station; this view being a fragmentary showing on a larger scale of a portion of Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view taken 30 substantially along the line 15-l5'in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 16-16 in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of a part of the mechanism at the keyrestacking station, this view being a fragmentary showing on a larger scale of a portion of Fig. 2; i

. Fig. 18 is a front elevation of the parts illustrated in Fig. 17; g

Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the broken line 19-19 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 20 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the broken line 20-20 in Fig. 18:

Fig. 21 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 21-21 in Fig.13;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along ,the line 22-22 in Fig. 20

Fig. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken through the restacking station substantially along the line 23-23 in Fig. 2

Fig. 24 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 2424 inFig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a similar view taken substantially along the broken line 25-25 in Fig. 23; 106 Fig. 26 is a, view similar to 23 illustrating more of the'adjoining parts at the restacking station;

Fig. 27 is a sectional plan view taken substan tia y along the line 27-27 in Fig. 5;

magazine as indicated by the sectionline 3030 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 31 is a plan sectional view taken substantially along the line 3131 in Fig. 23;

Fig. 32 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 32-32 in Fig. 10;

and

' Figs. 33, 34, 35 and 36 are perspective views of the individual elements associated with the key blanks feeding devices, these elements being shown assembled in Figs. 27 to 30, inclusive, Figs. 33 and 34 being viewed from above and Figs. 35 and 36 showingithe' under surfaces of the parts.

The apparatus disclosed in the drawings for the purpose of exemplifying the invention embodies a turret which is rotated in a step by step movement and which presents key blanks todifferent operating stations located in spaced positions adjacent to and just outside ofthe periphery of the turret. This movement of the turretis effected by a form of Geneva wherein a cam having an interrupted groove with disconnected ends is continually rotated beneath the turret, its groove operating upon spaced rollers carried by and beneath the turret.

The shape of this cam groove is such as to rotate the turret through an angular distance equal to the distance between the spaced rollers carried by it and then a straight portion of the ove, operating on the turret roller holds the turret stationary for a rest period. The distance between the ends of the cam groove insures enigagement with the next adjacent turret roller as soon as the preceding roller is disengaged at the completion of the rest period. This not only insures asmooth step by step movement but looks the turret during its rest position.

The key blanks in stacked position are contained ina magazine located above and to one side of the turret and the lowermost blank is automatically fed from the bottom of the stack and is moved laterally toward the center of the turrent- The blank is then pushed downwardly and its head is moved into one of a series of pockets formed in the turret adjacent its periphery. During the travel of the key blank through the machine and through the operations which follow the head of the blank remains within its turret pocket, its shank projecting out beyond the turret periphery for presentation into the various stations.

The shank of the positioned key blank at the first operating station rests on top of a stationary anvil die and beneath a movable upper flattening die. At this station the head of the key the movable die member. In this held position blank is first engaged by a keylocating device which positivelyficenters it during cooperation between the movable and stationary die instrumentalities. A flattening of the key shank is the result of the operation at this station.

At a second station the partially flattened key blank is brought to rest upon a stationary die member and directly beneath a movable die. It is again located byjengagement with its head and also by a clamping plunger associated with i the end of the shank is further flattened and increased in width while being thinned .at its t r extremity. .This thinned flattened endof of keys supported in a form of driving power for the shaft the key shank is also slightly bent, this producing a key structure which is adapted for attachment to a container by suitable means including soldering or welding. Welding projections are also illustrated as being formed at this station in the flattened end. The particular operations at this station may be varied to suit the conditions for a particular form of key, a key suitable for welding attachment being considered in this instant case as an example. i

At the third forming station the key blank is brought to rest upon a stationary female die and in alignment with and beneath a movable slotting punch. The head of the key blank is again first centered and its flattened shank is clamped flattened shank of the key and cuts out a thin a wafer .of metal, thus providing the desired key slot. This completes the formation of the key.

-The advancing turret next positions the key into a restacking station. In this position the newly formed key is in ahgnment beneath a stack magazine and directly above a discharge head which operates during the rest period of the turret to lift the key out of its turret pocket and insert it within holding fingers in the restacking magazine and at the bottom of the stack of keys.

A conventional type of arch press is illustrated in the drawings as the principal supporting frame for the various operating parts of the of the press frame rests upon a frame 54 formed with supporting legs 55 56. The arch section 51 of the apparatus is formed with bearings 61 which rotatably support a crankshaft 62..

An electric motor drive is illustrated as one 62 and for this purpose a belt pulley 63 is mounted upon the shaft. A belt 64 operates over the pulley 63 and which stand upon a base over a small pulley 65 secured to a horizontal shaft 66. This shaft 66 is joumaled in a bearing 67 formed in the frame 54 and in a second bearing 68 formed in a bracket 69 mounted upon the base 56. V

' The shaft 66 carries a spur gear '75 which meshes with a pinion '16 secured to a motor shaft '77 of an electric motor 78 located upon the base 56 inside of the frame 54. By means of this connection, rotating power is applied to the crankshaft 62 to effect continuous rotation during the operations .of the machine.- A turret 81 is mounted above the bed 53 and in front and centrally of 'the columns 52. This turret rotates in a horizontal plane and provides the means for conveying the key blanks through the apparatus. The outer rim in a step by step movement section of the turret inone complete rotation passes through five different stations located in angularly spaced positions adjacent its periphery. The first station is a key blank feeding station, then follow in sequence three key shaping or forming stations and the last station is a I finished key restacking station. With this brief description ofthe general features of the apparatuafurther detailed consideration will now be given to its various parts. Such a description, for purposes of clearness and simplicity, will follow roughly a classification of the details into groups according to the operations performed upon the key blank or the resulting key. The key blank feeding station parts will now be considered.

Key blanks 91 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6) are arranged in stacked formation within a magazine 92 comprising a vertically extending frame 93 provided with a slot 94 in which the key blank heads (designated by the numeral 95) rest. Angle plates 96 are secured to the front of the frame 93 and extend partially across the 'slot 94. The inner edges of these plates are spaced away from each other and leave a slot 97 in which the key blank shanks (designated by the numeral 98) rest.

The magazine frame 93 (Figs. 2, 3 and 5) is extended laterally at its base in a lower section 101 secured by bolts 104 to a magazine body frame 105 (shown in detail in Fig. 35). The parts 101, 105 may be connected in a tongue and groove joint 106 (Figs. 6 and 29) to insure exact registration. The body frame 105 is mounted upon and carried by a casing 111 which is in turn carried by the press bed 53. Bolts 112 passing through lugs 113 formed in the frame 105 provide for the necessary attachment of it to the casing.

The magazine body frame 105 is recessed or cut back from its under surface as at 114 (Figs. 27, 30 and 35) and this forms a pocket for a block 115 (Fig. 36) which is seated in the recess and which is secured by bolts 116 to the body frame, the lower face of the block being flush with the lower face of the frame. The frame is slotted longitudinally at 117, this slot extending across the entire length of the frame in a horizontal plane directly above the block 115. Sections of the walls of the slot 117, midway of the frame and directly opposite each other, are cut back and form vertical slots 119. The slots 119 provide pockets for a stationary block insert 121 (Figs. 27, 29 and 33) which rests upon. the block 115.

The uppermost surface of the block 121 is flush with the upper surface of the magazine body frame 105. Block 121 in its top face is centrally slotted at 123 and a projecting ledge 124 formed on the bottom of the magazine frame 93 extends downwardly into the slot 123 and holds the parts in register (Fig. 30).

The block insert 121 is vertically apertured at 125 and this opening communicates with the slot 94 of the magazine, providing free and unrestricted passage for the heads 95 of the key blanks 91. A connecting vertical slot 126 is also cut through the insert for the shanks 98 of the key blanks.

The lowermost key blank within the magazine is cut out and slid horizontally by a separating and feeding device comprising a slide 134 (Figs. 5, 27, 30 and 34) which moves in the slot 117 and rests upon the block 115. The slide 134 also moves through the insert block 121 and in a groove 135 out along its lower face. The groove 135 is the same width as the groove 117 and the insert block 121 forms a bridge over the slide.

The slide 134 is centrally cut away in a longitudinal slot formed with a wide section 136 (Figs. 27 and 34) adjacent one end of the slide and a narrower section 137 at the other end. The side walls of the slot sections are joined by curved connecting walls 138 shaped to correspond to parts of the rounded key blank heads 95. The slide 134 is adapted to be moved to one position where the walls 133 register with one edge wall of the opening 125 in the block insert 121 and into another position where these walls 138 reg- 3 ister with the edge wall of an opening 139 (Fig. 36) cut through the block 115.

A groove 141 is cut in the upper surface of the slide 134 and extends from one end of the slide to a point adjacent the opposite end of the slot 137. This groove is of a depth slightly in excess of the thickness of a key blank 91 and provides supporting shelves 142 on opposite sides of the slot sections 136, 137.

In the position of the slide as illustrated in Figs. '5, 27 and 30 the stack of keys in the magazine rests upon the shelves 142, the head of the lowermost key directly engaging the shelf sur faces. The block 115 is formed with a pair of projections 143 which extend upwardly from its upper surface and into the slot section 137 of the slide 134. The shank 98 of the lowermost key blank 91 in the magazine rests between these projections 143, as shown in Figs. 27 and 29. This prevents turning of the lowermost key blank.

The removal of a key blank from the magazine is effected by movement of the slide 134 first toward the left (as viewed in Figs. 5 and 27) to engage the key blank and then toward the right to remove it. In the first movement the rounded walls 138 are brought into register with the side of the slot 125 and'with the lowermost key blank 91 in the magazine. This position is shown in Fig. 6. When so registered the lowermost key drops into the slot sections 136, 137 and upon the upper surface of the block 115. The entire stack of key blanks is lowered the same distance at this time.

With the return movement of the slide whichimmediately takes place (toward the right) and into the position shown in Fig. 5, the lowermost key is slid over the block and is brought to rest with its head against a stop 144' (Figs. 27 and 36) projecting upwardly from the surface of the block 115 just back of the slot 139. The stop 144 extends into the wide slot section 136 of the slide 134.

To regulate the sliding movement of the slide I member 134 one end is formed with a transverse slot 146 (Figs. 5, 6, 27 and 28) cut out in its under surface and a pin 147, havinga square head 148, operates within the slot 146 and provides a loose connection fora cam control. Pin 147 is carried in a boss 149 formed in an arm 151 (see also Figs. 2, 3 and 19) of a lever 152 mounted for oscillation upon a stud 153 threadedly secured to the frame 111.

An arm 161 of the lever 152, opposite to the am 151, is pivotally connected at 162 to a block 163 threadedly secured to a rod 164 extending into a tubular spring housing 165 which is pivoted at 166 on a bracket 167 projected from and secured to a-gear casing 168. This gear casing extends along one side of the press frame and is bolted at 169 to the frame 111.

The rod 164 extends loosely through a block 175 threaded in the unpivoted or free end of the spring housing 165. A collar 176 is pinned to the end of the rod and a compression spring 177 is located in the spring housing, surrounding the rod, and is confined between the collar 176 and the block 175. This spring tends to pull the rcd164 into the housing 165 and to move the lever 152 on the stud 153. When such movement takes place the slide 134 is moving the key away from the magazine as has just been described.

The slide 134 is moved on its initial or key registering stroke, (toward the left, Figs. 5 and 27) against the action of the spring 177 by a cam control which will now be explained (see Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 19). A hub 181 is loosely mounted on the stud 153 directly beneath the lever 152 and carries a projection 182 extending rearwardly beneath the arm 161 of thelever.

A stop screw 183 is carried in the projection 182 and normally engages adownward1y extending lug 184 formed as an integral part of the arm 161. Adjustment of the screw within its .threaded seat determines the relative position between the sleeve 181 and the lever 152. The spring 177 holds the stop screw against its seat under normal key blank feeding conditions during which time the lever 152 and sleeve 181 move as a unit. The sleeve 181 is integral with on arm 185 .which'extendson the side opposite to the projection 182. Arm 185 carries a pin 186 on which is rotatably' mounted a cam roller 187 which operates within a groove 188 of a cam 189 keyed to a horizontal cam shaft 191. This constitutes the active element of the cam control referred to.

The key blank is separated from the magazine when the cam groove 188 of the cam 18.9.cause's a movement of the parts 182, 185. The screw 183 then tends to back off from the lug 184 of the lever arm 161 but the spring 177 holds the lug against the end of the screw and causes a corresponding movement of the lever arms 151, 161 as the lug follows the cam moved screw. The full stroke of the cam, therefore, normally allows for a complete movement of the arms 161 and 151 and the slide 134 moves through its stroke sliding a key blank from the magazine.

Should there be an impedance to movement of the slide-such as a jammed or improperly positioned key blank, the spring 177 will take up the movement of the lever 181 and the slide will remain stationary without damaging the parts of the apparatus.

The cam shaft 191 (Fig. 3) is journaled in a bearing 201 formed in the frame 111, in a bearing 202 formed in a flanged bushing which is secured by bolts 203 to the frame 111 and also in a bearing 204 formed in the gear housing 168. The cam shaft 191 is driven through a chain and sprocket connection with the crankshaft 62 and a safety slip clutch is interposed between certain of the-connections to prevent jamming in the event of abnormal-operating conditions affecting the cam shaft.

For this purpose the shaft carries a clutch disc 211 which is keyed in position and which carries one or more clutch balls 212 which may be backed up by a cam disc 213 mounted upon and keyed to the hub of the disc 211. These parts constitute the stationary elements of the slip clutch. A sprocket 214 is loosely mounted upon the shaft 191 so that under certain conditions it may have sliding, as well as rotating, movement relative to the shaft.

One face of this sprocket is adjacent to one face of the disc 211 and one or more depressions or pockets 215 are formed in the face. of the sprocket. Each pocket is adapted to normally contain its clutch ball 212. As long as the ball 212 is seated within the pocket 215, the sprocket and disc rotate as a unit and the shaft 191 is driven at the same rotative speed as thesprocket. The sprocket 214 provides the movable element of the slip clutch and is normally held in clutched position by a spring 216 which surrounds the shaft 191 and a hub 217 of thesprocket.

' One end of the spring 216 engages a ball bearing unit 218 mounted upon the sprocket and the opposite end of the spring is held on a collar 221 threadedly disposed upon the shaft 191. A looknut 222 is also threaded on the shaft and provides a holding element for the collar after it has been moved into adjusted position. This adjustment of the collar 221 controls the compression upon the spring 216 which in turn provides a definite resistance for the slip clutch.

In the event of improper operating conditions which hold the shaft 191 from normal rotation, the resistance of the spring 216 is overcome and the sprocket 214 moves back sufficiently to allow its ball seat 215 to disengage the clutch ball 212 and the sprocket214 moves idly on the shaft. Upon removal of the obstruction and the resuming of normal operating conditions the ball or balls snap again into their proper pockets and again move in proper time with the sprocket, this being also in proper time with all of the working parts of the apparatus.

The sprocket 214 receives its driving connection from the crankshaft 62 by means of a chain 225 (Figs. 1, 3 and 19) which operates over the sprocket and also over an idler sprocket 226 rotatably mounted on a shaft 227 carried in a bracket 228 bolted at 229 to a part of the'gear casing 168. The chain 225 also passes over a second idler sprocket 231 which is rotatably mounted on a stud 232 clamped in fixed position within a slot 233 formed in a boss 234 carried upon an extension 235 of the bracket 228. This stud 232 is preferably adjustable within the slot 233 and such adjustment is utilized for tightening the chain 225. The chain 225 at its upper end operates over a sprocket 236 (Fig. 1) which is carried on the crankshaft 62.

When a key blank 91 has been moved into its separated position (the right hand lower key in Figs. 5 and 27) its head is directly over the slot 139 and. above a pocket of the turret 81 and directly beneath a vertically moving device which operates to move the key blank downwardly from its position and into the turret. The shank of the key is now in alignment with a slot 249 (Figs. 30 and 36) which joins the slot 139 and which is also out through the block 115. The turret and its associated mechanism will now be described.

The turret unit comprises a turret ring 251 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5). This ring is mounted upon a turret body 252 which is provided with a hub 253 rotatably mounted on a shouldered stud 254 located within a vertical bore 255 formed in the frame 111. A locknut 256 threadedly secured to the end of the bolt clamps it solidly in fixed position in the frame. The stud 254 (see also Fig. 26) at its top is just above the upper surface of the hub 253 and washers 257 are located upon the upper end of the stud 254 and extend over the end of the hub.

These washers are held in position by a shouldered bushing 258 which is set into a vertical bore 259 formed in the upper end of the stud 254. A bolt 260 is threadedly engaged within the upper end of the stud, its head resting upon the bushing 258 and holding it in place so thatthe washers 257 prevent vertical displacement of the'turret body while permitting free rotation on the stud.

The turret ring 251 is secured to the turret body 252 by bolts 261 (Figs. 2 and 4) and a pair of locating keys 262 may also be used to provide easy and accurate assembly. Each key 262 is rounded at its inner end and fits within a pocket 263 formed in the hub 253 of the turret body and the keys are held in position by screws 264 threadedly engaging the turret body. The outer end of each key 262 extends into a pocket 265 out in the turret ring.

An annular groove 271 is formed in the upper surface of the turret ring 251 adjacentits outer periphery and pockets 272 are cut into the body of the ring at spaced intervals along the groove. Each pocket is substantially the shape and size of the head of a key blank and a radial slot 273 also formed in the ring and communicating with the pocket is of a size to accommodate a section of the shank 98 of the key blank.

One of the pockets 272 is directly beneath and in alignment with the head of the separated key blank when the slide 134 brings it into position as previously described. The movement of the turret and the mechanism for aligning and holding its pocket into key blank receiving position will now be considered.

The turret is rotated on the stud 254 in a step by step movement through a given are of travel and is then brought to rest for a time interval which is sufficient for the mechanism at the various operating stations to perform their several functions upon the key blank.

A plurality of shouldered studs 281 are held in vertical position within the turret body 252 by nuts 282. There are the same number of studs 281 as there are turret pockets and each stud bears a definite relation as to position with its associated key pocket. The turret ring 251 is recessed at 283 for access to each nut 282. A tapered cam roller 285 (Figs. 3 and 4) is carried upon the lower end of each stud 281 and is adapted to be engaged by a barrel cam 286 feathered and mounted upon the shaft 191.

A pair of adjusting collars 287 are threadedly engaged upon the shaft 191 on opposite sides of the cam 286 and provide longitudinal adjustment for the cam. This. accurate adjustment of the cam insures correct positioning of each turret pocket 272. Cam 286 is provided with an interrupted groove 288 which, during rotation ofthe cam with the cam shaft, engages at one end with one of the cam rollers 285 a part of the groove being so shaped as to move the cam roller through a given are and eifect a corresponding step rotation of the turret upon its axis.

A portion of the interrupted groove 288 is formed at right angles to the axis of rotation and when this part of the groove engages the roller the latter is held against movement and the turret is then on its rest period. As soon as the cam groove has been carried around for a complete rotation so that the end of the groove leaves the roller 285, its opposite end engages the next adjacent roller on which it then operates in like manner for a moving and a rest period. In this way each complete rotation of the cam'effects a movement and rest period of the turret which corresponds to one cycle of operation for the other various parts of the apparatus.

The device for moving the separated key blank into the aligned turret pocket 272 is best shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5., A cover plate 301 is secured by screws 302 to the upright frame 93 on the side opposite to the angle plates 96. This frame 93 is slotted at 303 to provide a slideway for a vertically disposed bar 304 held in sliding position by the cover plate. A ball 305 provides a detent for engagement within a pocket 306 formed in one face of the bar 304 and under the action of a spring 307 confined within a. hollow plug 308 tends to register the bar in its normal raised position,

this being the position of the parts during the separation of the key blank from the magazine. The plug 308 is screwed into the cover plate.

The upper end of the bar 304 is formed with spaced horizontal walls 311 which engage opposite sides of a rod 312 carried in the free end of an arm 313 secured to a horizontal rocksh'aft 314 journaled for oscillation in a bracket 315 bolted at 316 to one of the column members 52. Oscillation of the shaft 314 and the arm 313 imparts vertical movement to the bar 304.

The lowering of the bar 304 for the key blank positioning operation is performed by a compression spring and is controlled by a cam. In other words the bar is positively raised under cam action and is yieldingly lowered under spring action. This prevents jamming of the parts in the event of improper positioning of the key prior to feeding into a turret pocket. A lever 321 is clamped upon the opposite end of the shaft 314 (see also Fig. 19) and the boss of this lever is split at 322. It is tightly clamped to the end of the shaft by a. bolt 323.

The lever 321 has two arms 324 and 325, the former being associated with the compression spring referred to and the latter being under direct control of the cam. The arm 324 is pivotally connected at 331 with a block 332 threadedly engaging the end of a rod.333 which extends into and has sliding movement within a spring barrel 334.

The rod 333 is formed with a hollow head 335 where it extends within the spring barrel and a coil spring 336 is located in this hollow chamber being interposed between the end of the head and the end of the spring barrel. The spring barrel 334 is pivoted at its lower end to a stud 337 projected outwardly from a boss 338 formed in one of the press frame columns 52 (see Figs. 2 and 19). A plug 339 is threaded engaged in the end of the spring barrel 334 and retains the parts in position.

The spring 336 tends to lift the rod 333 andarm 324, and through the shaft 314 and arm 313 to lower the bar 304 for a feeding operation. This action of the spring is resisted and such movement of the parts is prevented except at each key blank positioning operation. For this purpose the arm 325 carries a pin 341 on which is rotatably mounted a. cam roller 342. The roller 342 engages the peripheral cam face of the cam disc 213.

The lower end of the bar- 304 (Figs. 5, 6 and 29) is formed with a foot 345 which is elongated in cross section at 346 adjacent grooves 347 formed in its side walls. The slot 126 of the block 121 is enlarged as at 343 (Fig. 33) and the boundingwalls of the slot are shaped to allow clearance for the bar foot when it is lowered through the block. The section 346 of the bar 304 engages the head of the key blank as it rests against the projection 144 and other parts of the foot engage the shank of the key.

The bar 3.04 forces the key blank from the position shown in Fig. 5 and from the slot sections 136, 137 of the feed. slide 134, through the slots 139, 249 of the block 115 and deposits it into the aligned turret pocket 272 beneath. This key seated position is shown in Fig. 6. a

The width of the slot 249 is practically the same as the diameter of the key shank 98 and requires a positive forcing action (by the bar above them by the slide 134. This close fit is utilized for another purpose which is to permit the block 115 to act as a stripper and to prevent lifting of the key from its turret pocket when the bar 304 returns to its raised position.

The cover plate 301 is extended laterally at 351 to provide a support for a setscrew 352 which is held in adjusted position by a locknut 353. The upper end of the screw 352 forms a limit stop for the downward movement of the bar 304 under the action of the spring 336, the lower wall 311 of the bar top striking the screw at the end of the blank positioning stroke.

The key blank 91 within the turret pocket 2'72 begins its travel through the apparatus upon k the next step rotation of the turret. There are.

two idle stations at which the key comes to rest and at which no work is done before it reaches the first operating station. During this travel and throughout the travel of the key blank with the turret, its shank extends beyond the periphery of the turret and slides over a circular section 355 (Figs. 2 and '7) of the frame 111.

When the key comes to rest in the first or key flattening station, this position being centralized along the section line 12--12 in Fig. '7, its extending shank 98 is diametrically disposed over the upper surface of a cylindrical anvil block 365 (Figs. '7 and 12). This block is grooved at 366 for locating purposes, a bolt 36'? being used to look within the slot and hold the anvil block in located position. The anvil block 365 rests within a counterbore 368 formed in a die shoe 369 secured to the bed 53 of the apparatus. A bolt 3'71 thread edly engaging within the bottom of the anvil block holds it in fixed position within the die shoe.

The die shoe 369 is located in a definite position upon the bed 53 by means of a transverse key 372 (Fig. 9). This die shoe not only forms a support for the stationary die parts of the first flattening station but also for the stationary die parts for the second station. A similar die shoe is also used at the third or key slotting station and this is also mounted upon the bed 53. The die shoes of the respective stations are wedgeclamped, as well as bolted and keyed in fixed position.

The die shoe 369 is held on the bed 53 by a bolt 3'73 and by the clamping wedge device referred to which forces the die shoe) against the key 372.- This clamping device includes a wedge shaped head 374 (Figs. '7, 9 and 16) formed on the upper end of a bolt 3'75 which extends through a section of the bed and is held by a lock nut 3'76.

One of the tapered faces of the head 3'74 engages an angular notch formed in aunember inserted in the die shoe 369 at the secbnd station and the opposite inclined face of the head similarly engages an angular notch of a second member'inserted in the second die shoe at the third station. Both of these clamping engagements will be described in detail hereinafter. At present the first or key flattening station will be considered and the anvil block 365 constitutes the stationary die member of the flattening die at this station.

The movable die parts are carried in a press slide 381 (Fig. 1) which is mounted for sliding movement within the column sections 52 and this press slide is moved up and down by connection with the crank shaft 62, the usual form of pitman 382 connecting with a crank 383 formed in the crank shaft 62 being used for this purpose. A movable slide head 384 (Figs. 9 and 12) is secured to the press slide in any suitable manner and a movable die holder 385 is clamped to the slide head. One form of clamp is illustrated (Fig. 9) and comprises a clamping plate 386 bolted to the side of the slide head and formed with an inclined surface. The die holder may be formed with a flared head 387, one side of which is seated in an inclined wall pocket formed in the slide head, the other side being engaged by the inclined face of the clamping plate 386.

' A key holding device is used for insuring proper retension of the key within its turret pocket during the flattening operation. For this purpose a presser foot 388 is used, being slidably mounted within a vertical bore 389 formed in the die holder 385. This presser foot is shouldered at 390 to limit its downward movement and a coil spring 391 is located within the bore 389 and extends into a vertical recess 392 formed in the upper end of the presser foot. This spring engages the presser foot at its lower end and its top is confined by a threaded plug 393 secured in the die holder 385.

A locating projection 394- extends downwardly from the bottom of the presser foot and as the press slide and movable die parts are lowered, this projection passes into the opening in the head of the key blank 91. The lower face of the presser foot then comes into position on top of the head and holds it in the turret pocket as the spring 391 yields to permit the full downward stroke of the press slide. The active movable die elements at this flattening station comprise a die member 395 inserted within thelower end of the die holder 385 and held in clamped position by abolt 396.

As the press slide approaches its lowermost position the die 395 presses into the shank 98 of the key blank and flattens a portion of the shank as shown in'Figs. '7 and 12. When-the press slide 381 is raised following the flattening operation just described, the spring 392 expands and holds the presser foot 388 in key blank holding position until after the die member 395 has fully cleared the key blank. The presser foot thus acts as a stripper to prevent dislodgement of the key from the turret pocket.

The next step rotation of the turret positions the flattened key blank at the second or end fiattening and bending station. At this station the end of the key shank is subjected to a flattening operation which may take on one of several variations. In the event that the key is to be subsequently secured to a container in a welded joint the forming of projections on the lower surface of the flattened end part may be desirable as well as a further bending of the flattened end. The drawings illustrate a typical diefor performing a combined bending, end flattening and projection forming operation for making a key suitable for welding.

An anvil block 401 (Figs. '7, 10 and 11) is inserted within the die shoe 369 at a position beneath the key blank shank as it is held by the turret at this station. Bolts 402, 403 passing through the anvil block threadedly engage the die shoe I to accommodate a lower. die 426.

a recess 409 formed in the die shoe 369 adjacent the slot 406 and one side of the plate engages one of the upper tapered walls 407 of the die holder.

The opposite tapered wall is engaged by a similar tapered wall 411 formed in the die shoe. This formation of tapered surfaces allows for longitudinal adjusting movement of the die holder 405 and prevents upward displacement. When the die holder is adjusted for position it is clamped by the plate 408, screws 412 for this purpose extending through the plate and threadedly engaging the die shoe.

This mounting of the die holder 405 permits of its accurate positioning for the proper key fiattening and bending operation. To provide a micrometer adjustment there is further provided a bolt 415 which is threadedly engaged in a bracket 416 (see also Fig. 13) secured by cap screws 417 to the die shoe 369. The outer end of the shank of the bolt 415 is formed with a flattened end 418 on which a wrench may be applied for turning the bolt.

. The opposite end of the bolt is formed with an enlarged head 419 which extends into .a transverse slot 421 out in the under surface of the die holder 405. A locknut 422 threadedly engaging the bolt 415 is adapted to clamp against the bracket 416 and hold the'bolt in adjusted position.

The die holder 405 is vertically recessed at 425 In its inserted position the die 426 rests upon the upper surface of the anvil block 401 and constitutes the stationary die element at this station.

The upper or movable die parts are carried by the slide head 384 (Figs. 4, 9, 10 and 32). A key locating and holding device is also carried by the slide head and this comprises a block 431 which is bolted to the under surface of the slide head adjacent the die holder 385 being held in position by bolts 432. A plate 433 is or may be inserted between the block and the slide head to form a backing for certain parts of the key holding device.

The block 431 is provided with two vertically extending slots 434, 435 and a transverse slot 436 just beneath the plate 433. A key locating plunger 441 is slideably mounted in the slot 434 and is held in sliding position by a plate 442 secured by screws 443 to the block 431. This plunger is formed with an upper projection 444 which extends into a. slot 445 formed in the plate 442 in register with the transverse slot 436 and forms a stop limiting the downward position of the plunger. The plunger is hollow and a spring 446 is located in its upper section, the upper end of the spring resting against the plate 433. The plunger 441 at its bottom end carries a projection 447 adapted to partially enter and hold down the head of the key blank 91 in the turret pocket beneath.

A key holding presser foot 451 is also provided and is slidably mounted within the slot 435, being held in position by a'plate 452 secured by bolts 453 (Fig. 32) to the block-131. This presser foot is provided with an upper projection 455 (Fig. 10) which extends into a slot 456 formed in the plate 452, in register with the transverse slot 438 of the block 431. This upper projection ofthe presser foot limits its downward movement of the plunger within its seat. The presser foot 451 is hollow at its upper end and a spring 457 located in the recess hasits upper end engaging the plate 433. The lower end of the presser foot is adapted to engage and hold the shank of the key as its head rests in the hunt pocket at this station.

The slide head 384 also carries a movable die element for cooperation with the die 426. This movable die element comprises a tapered or comcal walled disc die 471 (Figs. 10 and 11) which is mounted upon a horizontally disposed bolt 472 having a head which rests within a counterbore formed in the die. The bolt 472 is carried in a bracket 473 secured by bolts 474 to the under surface of the slide head 384. Bracket 473 is formed with a circular seat 475' in which the disc die 471 is partially engaged, this seat forming a backing-up surface for the die.

The die 471 has several operating faces, only one of which, the bottom face, is used at a time.

.A locating pin 476 is inserted in the disc die 471 and in the bracket 473 and functions as a locating pin to center the former in operating position. The circular die member 471 is provided with a series of recesses 477 and it is into one of these recesses that the end of the pin 476 engages when the die member has been turned on its bolt 472 to present the desired surface at the bottom. This construction of the die allows for a renewal of its wearing surface when needed.

A washer 481 is located upon and' locknuts 482 threadedly engage, the outer end of the bolt and hold it and the disc die in clamped position.

When the press slide 381 descends the key located plunger 441 first comes into action and part of its lower end 447 enters the head of the key as it rests within the turret pocket, other parts yieldingly engaging the key blank head as the spring 446 is compressed.

Immediately following the presser foot 451 engages the flattened shank of the key blank. The lower end of the presser foot is forked at 485 (Fig. 32) and the legs of the fork straddle the shank of the key blank and center it upon the lower die 426 as the spring 457 yields. The die holder 405 is recessed on opposite sides of its. upper face at 486 to form pockets for the fork ends 485. When thus clamped by both yielding members 441, 451 and still during the-downward movement of the press slide, the key blank is engaged by the descending die 471'which presses it against the upper surface of the die 426.

The inclined lower surface of the upper die disc cooperating with a similar inclined surface of the upper end of the die 426 bends the end of the key blank at the same time flattening it to the desired shape as illustrated in the middle key blank in Fig. 7. If projections are to be formed in the end of the key, this being illustrated in the drawings, the face of the die 426 is properly recessed for this purpose.

This completes the operation at this station and to allow for the unobstructed passage of the bent end of the key blank from its position. between the die parts 426, 471 a channel 491 (Figs. 7 and 11) is cut in the upper surface of the die shoe 369.

The slotting of the key blank is performed at a third operating stat;on. The key, its head resting in the aligned turret pocket, comes into a position above a lower die block or holder 501 (Figs. 14, 15 and 16). Both .of the stationary and movable die elements at this station are mounted upon and carried by the bed 53.

The die shoe for this station is formed as a bracket 502 which is positioned upon the bed be tween the press columns 52 and is held on one side by bolts 503 threadedly engaging in the bed.

The die block 501 is. inserted in the bracket from 

